Dance Movement Therapy (M. A.)

Master of Arts

Dance Movement Therapy is the evidence-based use of dance and movement in therapy for promoting physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual integration of individuals and systems of individuals. As an arts therapy approach it has the potential to contribute to activation, stabilization and recovery in the context of prevention, acute intervention, and rehabilitation. In both research and clinical practice, there is an increasing interest in dance movement therapy approaches as an significant enhancement to standard care. Dance movement therapists do not work exclusively in traditional settings such as psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, or special education. Dance Movement Therapy is also applied in neurology, oncology, cardiovascular medicine, etc. and increasingly in preventive care. Dance movement therapists work in the following fields:

• Psychiatry Psychosomatics and psychotherapy
• Neurology
• Geriatrics
• Forensic Contexts
• Pediatrics
• Intensive medicine centers (for example neurology, oncology, pain) and sub-acute care facilities
• Psychosocial institutions for children and families with special needs, disabilities and early intervention
• Institutions of prevention and education (e.g., schools, youth offers, kindergartens)

The applied master’s degree in dance movement therapy at the SRH University Heidelberg was developed within the framework of European alignment and recognition of university degrees (the Bologna Process) and accredited in 2012. It offers graduates of artistic or psychosocial study programs a qualified education in dance movement therapy.

In contrast to other master’s degrees in Germany, this program is designed as a two-year full-time program and generally begins in the winter semester on October 1st. The program details can be found in the official program handbook. The program consists of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points, and students earn an accredited degree that gives access to world-wide access to doctoral programs. The language of the program is English.

The applied master’s degree in dance movement therapy consists of the following modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to therapy sciences
• Module 2: Introduction to dance therapy
• Module 3: Psychology
• Module 4: Dance movement therapy skills
• Module 5: Clinical psychology I (psychotherapy approaches)
• Module 6: Clinical psychology II (psychiatry, psychosomatics & psychotherapy)
• Module 7: Neurology & quantitative research methods
• Module 8: Movement observation and movement analysis
• Module 9: Clinical placement
• Module 10: Evidence-based clinical practice
• Module 11: Assessment & clinical practice with children and adolescents
• Module 12: Arts therapies and specific applications
• Module 13: Body-oriented therapy & mindfulness
• Module 14: Advanced placement (clinical or research)
• Module 15: Professionalization, law & ethics
• Module 16: Master's thesis

Clinical Practice The applied master’s program qualifies the student for clinical practice, working with children and adults in the following core settings:

• Psychiatry 
• Psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy 
• Pediatrics, children and youth psychiatry and psychotherapy
• Forensic settings
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Pain
• Oncology

The foundations provided in this Master’s degree allow students to transfer skills to other practice settings.

The degree program is recognized by the German Professional Organization for Dance Therapists (Berufsverband der TanztherapeutInnen Deutschlands e. V.) and contains 150 hours^* of Laban training and 50 hours^* of theory in self-directed study groups and tutorials. Next to the age of 28 the membership in this professional organization has specific additional requirements:

• 180 hours^* of continuing education in dance
• 130 hours^* of additional dance/movement training

^*teaching units of 45 minutes each

Research 
Research projects are conducted regularly at the School of Therapeutic Sciences. They are organized, carried out and published in close cooperation with universities, research centers and clinical partners. There is a particular interest in research evaluating evidence-based dance movement therapy treatment, but also in phenomenological approaches.

Students can collaborate on the research projects, provided they have the necessary skills and interest, and can thereby qualify for a career in research. Together with our partners it is possible to offer cooperative doctoral studies.

Start your future now 

• A university degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, of at least six semesters’ duration in one of the following disciplines: dance/artistic studies, psychology, medicine, social work or similar degrees
• Individual admission is possible for applicants with different backgrounds  or other fields of study
• Personal and artistic suitability (tested in our personal selection process)
• Documented proof of strong English skills (TOEFL or similar)

Placement

Candidates are strongly advised to complete a period of observation in a clinical or therapeutic facility (about 4-6 weeks in length) prior to application, to test their suitability for this line of work.

Application

• Please apply online: www.hochschule-heidelberg.de
• Applications are accepted throughout the year
• Please scan transcripts and curriculum vitae. They will be uploaded in the process of online application.
• Documents in foreign language must include approved translations into German or English. 

For Applicants with non-German Graduation Certificates 
The Central Office for Foreign Education assesses foreign education certificates for the SRH University Heidelberg. You will find country-specific information on their website: www.anabin.de

Language skills 
Applicants must have documented English skills (TOEFL or similar). Alternatively, an interview can be arranged either in person or via Skype that tests your language competence.